Creating Shade and Beauty: Must-Have Trees for Your Central Oregon Landscape
We know how important it is to find the right tree for your yard — especially here in Central Oregon where the summers get hot and the winters can be tough. A great shade tree doesn’t just cool down your outdoor space; it brings beauty, character, and even a little magic to your landscape.
We’re excited to share some of our favorite shade trees we have in stock right now—trees that thrive in our unique climate and will help you create that cool, inviting spot for afternoon relaxing, family gatherings, or just soaking in the sunshine (but with a little protection).
1. Acer ‘Autumn Flame’ & ‘October Glory’
These maples are true showstoppers when the leaves start turning. They offer that perfect dappled shade during the summer and explode into vibrant reds and oranges in the fall. Both handle our climate well and add that seasonal wow factor every year.
2. Freeman Maple
The Freeman maple is a hardworking beauty. It’s a hybrid that grows strong and fast, handling our dry summers better than many other maples. Its broad canopy gives you plenty of shade, and in fall, it treats you to a mix of golds and reds that really light up the landscape.
3. Clump River Birch
We love the river birch for its lovely, textured bark and graceful form. The clumping habit adds a softness to any yard, and it’s drought-tolerant enough to handle our summers without a fuss. It offers shade that’s just enough to cool things down while letting light peek through.
4. Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Shademaster’ (Honey Locust)
Looking for shade that’s light and airy? The ‘Shademaster’ honey locust is a fantastic choice. Its delicate, fern-like leaves create beautiful, filtered shade, and it’s drought-tolerant and fast-growing—perfect for Central Oregon’s conditions.
Other Shade Tree Options We’re Loving Right Now:
Purple Robe Locust
Ornamental Crabapple
Prunus ‘Canadian Red Select’ (we have several Prunus species)
Mountain Ash
Choosing the right shade tree is all about your space, your style, and how much shade you want. Whether you’re looking for bold fall color, soft dappled light, or a tree that invites pollinators and wildlife, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.